Olivia Chow still smiling inside despite facial nerve illness

Toronto MP Olivia Chow says she’s on the road to recovery after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome which has caused damage to a nerve in her face.

Chow, the widow of former NDP leader Jack Layton who lost his battle with cancer more than a year ago, said the illness has left her with some facial weakness but it’s not expected to impact her daily life or her work as an MP.

“It has affected the left side of my face making it difficult to smile, laugh and put in my contact lens,” she said Friday, adding it started when she woke up with discomfort in the left side of her face during the holidays.

“While this is certainly an inconvenience, thankfully I received fast and effective treatment. Aside from facial weaknesses, I am now completely healthy. It will not affect my work as a member of Parliament. I continue to swim, run, and bike regularly. You will just have to imagine that I am smiling.”

The syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Like Bell’s palsy, the illness that left former prime minister Jean Chretien with permanent facial paralysis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome affects the nerve that controls the movement of facial muscles.

According to ramsayhunt.org, other possible symptoms include pain around the head, ear or neck, loss of taste, a rash in and around the ear, hearing loss and dizziness.

While it goes away in many cases, like Bell’s palsy, it could leave sufferers with permanent paralysis or other symptoms.

“I am learning to be patient as it will take time for my left facial nerves to fully recover. It could take weeks, months or longer,” Chow said optimistically.

“Overcoming challenges and adversity is something I have always done. This is no different. While I may have some difficulty smiling for a while, I will continue to work hard and have fun”

I cover justice, immigration and public safety issues as part of the Postmedia News politics team. I also keep tabs on what the official Opposition — the NDP — is up to in the House of Commons.
Before... read more coming here I spent several years in Montreal and Toronto with The Canadian Press covering provincial politics and major crime and court stories. I also helped cover the war in Afghanistan from inside and outside the wire.
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